In Phillip’s life, he was always driving. He drove the school bus while he was still in school. He drove farm equipment and trucks. He was a Chaplain’s Assistant in Vietnam and responsible for guarding the Chaplain, setting up the worship space for services, and driving the Chaplain in a Jeep. As a coach, he drove the athletics van to competitions. He also taught Driver Education as a side job. He drove the service van for Tabitha Health Care. Eventually in retirement he drove rental cars for Enterprise.
Phillip loved to bring a smile to people’s faces. Most who knew him found he always had a silly joke or a nonsense pun ready to go.
You couldn’t find a bigger sports fan than Phil. He loved Kansas basketball, Chiefs Football, and all the Nebraska Huskers sports teams. Never saw him turn down a Runza hamburger either.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gerri in 1996, and brother Leneve in 2021. He is survived by brother Ted (Debbie) Carper, his sons Justin (Stacie) Carper and Chad (Megan) Carper, and grandchildren Clara, Andrew, William, & Max.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Horizons Community Church 3200 Grainger Pkwy, Lincoln, Nebraska.